Umamusume: Pretty Derby to Feature at MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix in First Video Game Partnership

Under the collaboration, the course will feature a gigantic 155-meter display decorated with eight popular characters from the game. A special display board at the Grandstand entrance will show game art, and character photo spots will be placed within the venue. Attendees at the Moto2 and Moto3 races will also be able to see voice actor Tomoyo Takayanagi in person, waving the chequered flag at the end of the race. Takayanagi portrays the famous Japanese racehorse Oguri Cap in the media franchise.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a hit mobile game in which players train and compete in races as anthropomorphized horse girls. The franchise has been adapted into multiple anime and manga series, and its characters are based on real-life horses, past and present. Its popularity has been credited with reviving interest in the sport, according to TechRadar.

The collaboration is the first time a video game has become an official MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix event partner, TechRadar reported. It is not the first real-world event crossover for the franchise. Earlier this year, a special Umamusume livery appeared on a Pacific Racing Team BMW M4 GT3 Evo in Japan’s Super GT racing championship.

The game is available for mobile devices through the App Store and Google Play Store, and on PC via Steam.